H.R. 1151 · Where this bill is now
Became law through another bill
Its text was included in H.R. 1, Public Law 119-21 (per the Congressional Research Service). This bill number itself: In committee.
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands 529 college savings for job credentials
This bill widens what you can pay for with money from a 529 plan—a tax-free savings account designed for education. Right now, these accounts mainly cover traditional four-year college costs. The bill adds vocational and professional training programs to the list, so you could use the funds for things like welding certificates, apprenticeships, nursing exams, and other industry-recognized job credentials that states or the federal government approve.
How it affects you
If you're saving money in a 529 plan for a family member, you'd gain more flexibility in how to spend it. You could direct those tax-free savings toward career training programs and professional certifications—not just bachelor's and associate degrees. This matters most to families considering alternatives to traditional college or those preparing for skilled trades and specialized careers.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Feb 7, 2025)
Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
This bill expands the expenses eligible for tax-free withdrawals from a qualified tuition program (known as a 529 plan) to include tuition, fees (including test fees), books, supplies, equipment, and other expenses related to the enrollment or attendance in a recognized postsecondary credentialing program.
Under the bill, a recognized postsecondary credentialing program includes certain programs identified by a state as providing training services, a program listed in the Web Enabled Approval Management System (WEAMS) maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs, certain examinations required to obtain or maintain a credential, and other reputable credentialing programs.
Further, under the bill, such programs must be designed for an individual to obtain
• an industry-recognized postsecondary employment credential (e.g., project management professional certificate, advanced emergency medical technician certificate, and welding supervisor certificate),
• a certificate of completion of a registered and certified apprenticeship,
• an occupational or professional license issued or recognized by a state or the federal government (and any certification required for obtaining such license), or
• an associate or baccalaureate degree.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1151
A BILL
Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act
Sponsor: Rep. Robert J. Wittman (R-VA-1) · Introduced Feb 7, 2025 · Taxation · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Feb 7, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.”